Recession-hit Argentina faces general strike

Update:
April, 06/2017 - 10:31

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BUENOS AIRES – Workers have vowed a general strike in recession-hit Argentina on Thursday, drawing complaints from President Mauricio Macri as he prepares to host leaders and businesspeople for an economic forum.

The strike raises pressure on Macri as he struggles to help Argentina recover from recession ahead of mid-term legislative elections in October.

He took office in December 2015 vowing to rescue the flagging economy, open up trade and draw investment after 12 years of leftist government.

The economy remains bogged down, having shrunk 2.3 per cent last year, though it ticked upwards in January.

But ordinary Argentines are suffering: a third of them are living in poverty, according to official figures.

Inflation is in double figures while jobs and salaries have been cut in Macri’s efforts to stabilise public finances.